 September 2016
We hope you have all enjoyed the Great British summertime and managed to enjoy a well deserved break at some point.
As a global champion of credible standards for social enterprise, we are excited to announce we have further expanded our international network of accredited social enterprises. To mark the occasion, Lucy has written a blog, looking at the growth in interest in social enterprise at an international level.
|
|
As the body responsible for the only internationally available social enterprise accreditation, we are proud to play a continuing role in influencing the destiny of social enterprise on a global scale.
Through our international consultancy services, we aim to support other countries to encourage the development of social enterprise and influence the conditions in which it can flourish.
|
|
New applicants can save 10% on the first annual licence fee for the Social Enterprise Mark when the application is completed within one month of first contact with us.
To qualify for this discount, the full application should be submitted, and full payment received, within one calendar month from the date of first contact with us.
Register your interest today.
|
|
|
|
 With the announcement of Spanish social enterprise AUARA EMPRESA SOCIAL as the latest international organisation to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, Lucy looks at the growing global interest in social enterprise.
In her latest blog post, she reflects that the UK is considered something of a pioneer of social enterprise, and that we at Social Enterprise Mark CIC are the world pioneers of social enterprise accreditation.
Please click here to read the full blog post. |
|
|
Looking to do business that creates benefits for people and the planet?
Trade with confidence - use our directory of accredited social enterprises: the only directory to list only independently guaranteed social enterprises, committed to trading for people and planet.
Our network spans many sectors and international borders.
|
|
We have submitted a response to the consultation on proposed new policy directions for the allocation of Big Lottery Funds.
We suggested that organisations who have proven their commitment to creating social value (e.g. Mark holders) should be given higher visibility in the policy priorities.
View a summary of our response on the website.
|
|
|
|
Growing consumer appetite for brands with clear social purpose
 UK consumers, especially the younger generation, would pay more for products/services with a clear social purpose, according to a recent report from communications agency WE.
The report, based on a a study of 2,000 UK consumers by YouGov, showed a growing consumer appetite for organisations that demonstrate a social purpose and how they are having a positive impact on society.
The key findings include:
- UK consumers would pay on average 10% more for a product/service if they think it would have a positive impact on society
- 40% of consumers already regard sustainability as important when making purchase decisions
- The younger generation is more prepared than any other age groups to support ‘better’ products/services
 This represents an opportunity for social sector organisations to reach a growing number of 'socially-minded' consumers by articulating and communicating their social purpose and the benefits they create for society.
By applying for Social Enterprise Mark accreditation, you can prove the positive impact your business creates, and promote your credentials as an independently guaranteed social enterprise, committed to trading for the good of people and planet, |
|
|
Lucy has recently written a guest blog for World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS), looking at how social enterprise can facilitate innovation in health & social care.
Lucy explains how accredited social enterprises are developing innovative, patient-centred
healthcare solutions.
|
|
Part of a group of companies?
Why not all benefit from the status of being an accredited social enterprise and demonstrate that your entire company operates to the same ethos of ‘Trading for People and Planet’...
Submit a group application to benefit from a single licence fee.
|
|
|
 Developing a robust standard for social enterprise
Following advice from the independent Social Enterprise Mark Certification Panel last year, we introduced a change in how we assessed compliance with Criterion F of the Social Enterprise Mark, which considers their social impact. The Panel felt all Mark Holders should now be providing examples of how they meet this criterion, instead of simply confirming they could comply with this on request and having us collect such information by exception.
We have been collecting social impact statements for approximately 18 months now and monitoring the response from Mark Holders. Combined with other feedback from the 2015 Mark Holder survey, reinforcing the importance of the Mark in providing credibility and proof of social enterprise credentials, we have been considering ways in which we can further develop the Social Enterprise Mark and Gold Mark.
 To inform this process, we will be working with the codes of best practice that have been established by ISEAL - the international body in standard setting for the benefit of people and the environment.
This will have implications on our criteria and assessment process and we look forward to you joining us in this development journey. Our intention is to involve Mark Holders and other stakeholders in this process, consulting them on proposed developments before any major changes are made. Our eventual aim will be to present a single proposal for initial consultation once we have managed to fully engage with the ISEAL codes, although there may be instances when your thoughts on more urgent questions would be welcome.
To begin with, we will soon be consulting Mark holders on a proposal to adopt a 3-year renewal process for the Social Enterprise Mark.
|
|
|
|
Events
 Social Enterprise Mark CIC Conference
Dates and locations announced for 2017 and 2018
It may only be a few months since our 2016 conference, but plans are already in progress for the 2017 and 2018 events.
We are pleased to confirm the dates and locations for the next two annual conferences:
- 2017 - Monday and Tuesday 5th & 6th June, University of Winchester
- 2018 - Wednesday and Thursday 6th & 7th June, York St John University
We would like to thank both University of Winchester and York St John University for kindly agreeing to host these events.
Keep an eye on the Annual Conference page on the website for more details as they are announced.
 Business Basics Workshop
17th September 2016
Trident Business Centre, London
This intensive one day Business Basics Workshop from Mark holder Business Launchpad covers the 3 fundamental elements required to start up and run a business – Money, Marketing and Management.
This workshop is part of the Wandsworth council backed Business Basics programme, which aims to support young people aged 16-30 to develop business skills. All Business Launchpad services are FREE for young people aged 16-30.
For more information, please visit the website.
 North East Social Enterprise Festival
29th October 2016
Gateshead
Mark holder Social Enterprise Acumen is pleased to announce the second North East Social Enterprise Festival will take place in Gateshead on October 29th 2016.
Following the success of the event in 2015, Social Enterprise Acumen are anticipating at least 120 social enterprises and support organisations to attend this year's event. They welcome social enterprises from outside their region, and welcome any input from the sector to ensure the success of the event.
For more information, please visit the website.
Mark Holder News
Welcome to new Mark holders
Beacon Centre launches Visionary+ Challenge
 Mark holder Beacon Centre has launched a pioneering competition to improve the lives of those living with sight loss and or other sensory loss.
Applications are now open for the Beacon Visionary+ Challenge, which has a prize fund worth £20,000. It aims to find innovative products or services to improve the lives of those living with sight loss and or other sensory loss; from gadgets that may make everyday tasks a little easier to a ground breaking invention which would transform someone’s life.
For more information please visit the website. Applications close on 31st October 2016.
Availability of finance for social sector organisations
 In partnership with Mark holder Community Benefits Group, we are running a short survey to find out more about your finance requirements (if any) and any challenges that you may have faced in accessing finance for your social enterprise.
Please click here to access the survey - it should take no more than 5 minutes of your time. Thanks in advance for your participation.
Student satisfaction at social enterprise universities
Mark holders Coventry University and University of St Mark & St John (Marjon) have scored highly in the 2016 National Student Survey (NSS).
 Marjon shot up the league tables, showing the highest percentage point increase of any university this year, rising up the rankings to be rated joint 35th out of 160 universities in the country, with 89% overall student satisfaction.
 Coventry University was ranked 11th in the UK with 91% overall student satisfaction, and is the UK’s best at boosting students’ confidence
For more information, please visit the website.
Watershed shortlisted for UK Cinema of the Year 2016
 Mark holder Watershed has been shortlisted for UK Cinema of the Year 2016 at the prestigious Screen Awards, which recognise excellence in film distribution, exhibition and marketing in the UK film industry.
The award will honour the cinema that has most engaged with audiences and film distributors in new and improved ways.
For more information, please visit the Watershed website.
John Taylor Hospice praised by CQC
 Gold Mark holder John Taylor Hospice has been praised by the health regulator Care Quality Commission (CQC), which stated that staff treat people with ‘kindness, compassion and respect’.
CQC, who visited the hospice unannounced on 25th May 2016, found the hospice to be ‘good’ in all categories and highlighted the caring attitude of staff and volunteers, noting that staff were ‘kind, empathetic, responsive, creative and proactive in providing care and ensuring dignity for patients’.
For more information, please visit the website.
Happy 20th Birthday to Cosmic
 Mark holder Cosmic is celebrating this month as they mark their 20th birthday with a special open day at their offices in Honiton on 15th September.
To mark the occasion, Lucy filmed a short video message, congratulating Cosmic on this milestone. Cosmic are sharing one video per day in the 20 days leading up their birthday celebrations.
Our relationship with Cosmic dates back to 2003, when Julie was part of the original project that set up the Social Enterprise Mark. In fact, Cosmic were the very first organisation to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark!
We would like to wish Julie and all the team at Cosmic a very Happy Birthday - we look forward to joining them for the celebrations later this month.
For more information, please visit the Cosmic website.
Back to top
Sector News
SE100 Business Awards 2016
 Entries are now open for the NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards 2016.
The awards are recognised as a leading awards programme for social enterprises across the UK – winning or being shortlisted not only brings the respect of peers, but also raises your profile among customers, media and potential clients and investors.
The awards are open to all social ventures across the UK. To enter, organisations need to have completed their profile on the SE100 Index. Organisations must complete their profile by midnight on 25th September to be eligible for the awards.
For more information, and to take part, please visit the website.
Social ventures across the UK are being encouraged to participate in a landmark Social Impact Survey, designed to uncover awareness and attitudes to impact measurement and maximise social performance among frontline social ventures, launches today across the UK.
The Buzzacott Social Impact Survey is the first ever in-depth survey of UK social enterprises to establish what they are doing to measure their social impact and maximise their social performance, and what they think about the challenges and opportunities around impact measurement.
The survey closes on 19th September. To find out more, and to take part in the survey please visit the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
